“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.” Jesus, in today’s Gospel Luke 14:25-33.
“A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.” Max Lucado.
In last week’s reflection, I mentioned an incident in my childhood and then suggested that Sir Ed Davey is the leader of the Liberal Party – its name when I was growing up! Today, the party is called the Liberal Democrats and has been since its foundation in 1988 when the Liberal Party merged with the Social Democratic Party – going back in time can affect not only perceptions of yesteryear but current memory too.
The same is true with regard to the Gospel today, which seems to be contrary both to today’s standards and also Jesus’ command then to love God, neighbour and self. He refers to hating family and even life itself in order to follow him, which may sound extreme now but is actually a Rabbinic way of making a point, meaning to love less. Jesus suggests that following him and carrying the cross if necessary is to be preferred above all other considerations, including family. He makes the point with an illustration about checking the cost before starting to build a tower to ensure that it can be afforded and then a second example of a king who must first consider whether he has sufficient soldiers to be able to go to war with his opponent or must seek peace instead. Jesus then says, ”So, therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not renounce all your possessions.”
In the King James Version, renounce is translated as forsaketh, meaning to bid farewell. Jesus is telling those listening to him that they must be ready to bid farewell to all that is dear to them in order to follow him, words that many may struggle to hear and yet, Luke says that large crowds were following him. Why would they do this when what he says is so challenging?
Jesus had been performing many miracles and often speaking to the crowds around him who had heard of this preacher, his healing and stories and were interested enough to follow him. But perhaps it was the spectacle and excitement they sought, rather than costly commitment to his teaching. Putting family first was a priority in the time of Jesus and so it would have been difficult to hear his words about loving them less but the suggestion of carrying the cross would have been shocking for, in those days, that would have been done by criminals carrying the means of their death to the place of execution. Jesus warns the crowds that they might be humiliated, shamed or put to death through a commitment to him, as would be shown later by his own suffering and death in response to what was asked of him. Even possessions must be given up, if necessary – hardly an attractive proposition then, or now.
This may not be asked of all his followers, but there are many places the world over where home and family have been left behind and where suffering, violence and death may seem to dominate in the struggle for freedom, justice and peace. The teaching of Jesus is challenging but is also a reminder to sit lightly to worldly priorities and to consider his call on our lives spiritually. It was so for Melangell, who renounced her heritage to follow another path and was at prayer, so the story goes, when the hare ran to her for sanctuary and the encounter with Prince Brochwel began. It has been so in the lives of many down the ages and 405 years ago, on 6th September, the Pilgrims did just that, leaving Plymouth for a hazardous voyage on the Mayflower to America in search of a new life of religious freedom, renouncing all that was familiar and forsaking their old way of life. Careful planning was needed, much was demanded of them, some died and harsh conditions were faced on arrival – but they found what they sought and also established what became the United States.
In a week when crowds have been much in evidence, gathering at the start of the political conference season, protesting about migrants in Epping or about the situation in the Middle East in Westminster, there may be times when it’s important to be part of those crowds seeking change or perhaps opposing what is sometimes being demanded. But, despite the songs and chants of protest, it’s important also at times to stand alone and apart – Jesus suggests that his is the voice to which attention must be paid, a call that can easily be drowned out by noise and commotion, and that careful planning and consideration is also needed for what will be. Perhaps, as for those Pilgrims, there are things to be renounced, forsaken or embraced if we truly are to follow and be involved with the teaching of Jesus today and not just be part of the crowd observing the spectacle of his ministry?
With my prayers; pob bendith,
Christine, Priest Guardian.